Mojave Half Marathon

Home » Races » Twentynine Palms » Mojave Half Marathon

Date

March 13, 2027

Starting Time

6:00 AM PST

Course

Road

Fees

$50

Location

Twentynine Palms

Participants

500-1000

Terrain

Fast & Flat

Environment

Small Town, Mountain Views, Desert

Temperature

High: 80°

/ Low: 45°

Perfect For:

Fun Run

Destination Race

Well Organized

Overview

The Mojave Half Marathon is a desert road race held in Twentynine Palms, California, adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. Set at approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, the event offers expansive Mojave Desert views and wide-open roadways.

Atmosphere & Support

The event has a small-town, community-driven feel. Spectator density is modest and concentrated near the start and finish. Aid stations are placed at standard half marathon intervals.

Difficulty & PR Potential

While terrain is not extreme, environmental conditions are the primary challenge. Desert sun, potential wind, and low humidity can affect performance. Early March temperatures are generally manageable, but later finishers may experience warming conditions.

The course may support solid times under calm weather conditions; however, it is not engineered specifically for PR attempts. It is particularly well suited for runners seeking a scenic desert destination race experience.

Course Description

Elevation & Profile

The course is best described as moderately rolling. While not mountainous, the desert terrain includes gradual elevation changes and long, subtle grades. There are no extreme climbs, but the cumulative effect of rollers can impact pacing, especially in the second half of the race.

The profile is not downhill-assisted. Runners should expect exposed stretches with steady grades rather than dramatic elevation spikes.

Surface & Road Conditions

The route is fully paved, utilizing desert highways and local roads. Pavement is generally smooth but can feature typical desert-road wear. The wide roads allow ample running space, though shade is minimal throughout the course.

Mile-by-Mile Character

Miles 1–3: Early miles allow runners to establish pace quickly in cool desert morning temperatures.

Miles 4–9: Open desert stretches dominate, offering panoramic views of Joshua Tree landscapes and distant mountain ranges. Wind exposure can become a significant factor.

Miles 10–12: Gradual rollers and sun exposure may amplify fatigue. Hydration and pacing discipline are critical.

Final Mile: The course returns toward the downtown finish area, where community support is concentrated.

Past Results

Mojave Half Marathon Past Results

Mojave Half Marathon Course Map